Portuguese Man O’War

Please be aware !

The Coastguard have been informed of multiple Portuguese Man O’War being washed up on the beaches and along the shoreline in West Cornwall, after the rough weather over the last couple of days.

Please do not touch these beautiful creatures and keep your pets away from them as they can give a nasty sting.

Most stings from sea creatures in the UK are not serious and can be treated with first aid.

Sometimes you may need to go to hospital.

SYMPTOMS of SEA CREATURE STINGS

The main symptoms of sea creature stings are intense pain where you’re stung and an itchy rash.

Jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-war stings can also cause raised circular areas on the skin (welts).

What to do if you have been stung

DO

rinse the affected area with seawater (not fresh water)

remove any spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a bank card

soak the area in very warm water (as hot as can be tolerated) for at least 30 minutes – use hot flannels or towels if you cannot soak it

take painkillers like paracetamol or Ibuprofen.

DON’T

do not use vinegar

do not pee on the sting

do not apply ice or a cold pack

do not cover or close the wound.

Get help if possible